My Grandmother was a survivor of the Great Depression and my Mom was in her teens for the worst of it. Is it any wonder that I grew up surrounded by an attitude of appreciation and respect for material blessings?
From as far back as I can remember Mom was always “putting things up for good.” The family linens were stored in the cedar chest, the fine china was kept behind glass in the tall cabinet in the dining room and there were pieces of furniture that no one ever sat on. An appreciation for the things we own is not without merit, but shouldn’t there be some consideration given to enjoying these things? Maybe this holiday season would be a good time to start.
Take down great-grandma’s tall back rocker from the attic and set it in the living room. Not only will it provide extra seating, it may evoke some cherished memories of when she shared the holidays with you. While you’re at it, grab that box with the old train set you got for Christmas when you were a kid. It might just encourage your grandchildren to put down their phones and interact with the family!
Planning another holiday dinner served on the stack of buffet plates you bought at one of the big box stores? The convenience of modern dishware is indisputable. You use it, then put it in the dishwasher. This year why not opt for the fine china you inherited? True it will mean washing the dishes by hand, but the time spent with the family washing, drying and putting away the dishes can be time well spent.
Once your thought process is altered to “vintage holiday mode” you will be amazed at the ideas that will come to you. Tablecloths are seldom seen at our house, but last year I unpacked some vintage 1950s cloths that my Mom had given to me several years ago. Their bold holly and poinsettia patterns really brightened up my tables and since they are machine washable I could even use them on the special table I set for the little ones in the family. Expecting overnight guests? Get out those heirloom quilts and hand embroidered pillow cases and prepare a bed that will make them feel like you’re really glad they came.
I have one more idea for you, and this one is my favorite. Many of us have scrapbooks and albums filled with family pictures from past. This is a great time to get them out and the older they are, the better. Do your granddaughters know how their great grandmother dressed at their age. Are your grandsons driving? They might like to see a picture of that 1956 Chevy that was Grandpa’s first car. From the fashions and hairstyles of the past (did you know mom wore bell bottom jeans and Uncle Bill used to have hair?) to those wonderful shots of weddings, birthdays and everyone as a toddler, you will find there is something both entertaining and comforting about an old photo album. Now grab your phone and take a few pictures to add to those albums for the generations to come.
This year as we prepare for the holidays we find ourselves in the middle of a pandemic. As a result, many of us are keeping our gatherings small, in many cases including only the members of our household. It has been a year that has taken a toll on our joy, our finances and for some it has meant the loss of a loved one. What better time to surround ourselves with the happy memories of past, and to plan for better times to come. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
